Common Golf MisconceptionsMyth:
Golf is a game that requires skill rather than agility.

Truth:
Amateur golfers achieve nearly 90% of their peak muscle activity while driving golf balls. This intensity is akin to weightlifting, in that upon completing four repetitions, fatigue sets-in. Imagine repeating this 40-50 times per round.
Myth:
A poor swing is to blame for pain during a golf game.
Truth:
Research studies in sports medicine indicates that approximately 30% of professionals on-tour play injured each week. Try telling a pro that he needs to work on his swing!

Truth:
Flexibility is vastly more important to the long game than strength. The speed of a club-head determines distance. The larger the arc, the greater the club-head speed when it makes contact with the ball. Optimizing your posture and flexibility is the key to hitting longer and more powerful golf shots—the tenet of chiropractic care for over 100 years.

Flexibility is the Key
Relationship between Flexibility and Club Head SpeedThe Problem
Generally, the average golfer takes-up golf when he or she no longer cares to participates in physically demanding sports. Unfortunately, this lack of involvement in competitive play contributes to an overall decrease in flexibility —especially where the spine, shoulders, hips and pelvis (key components of a good golf swing) are concerned. Desk jobs and long daily commutes compound the situation.
*Flexibility is the key to improving your game and reducing your pain.*
In addition to improving your golf swing, optimal flexibility also diminishes the possibility of injury while playing. In fact, the root cause of golf injuries is a lack of joint mobility and muscle pliability.
The golf swing depends on nearly every joint in the human body: from the tips of the toes to the fingertips. When healthy and flexible, these joints work together like a well-oiled machine. However, when there is an injury to any of them, the healthy joints pick up the slack, resulting in strain and muscle fatigue.
This can cause serious repetitive motion injury to both the dysfunctional joints and the over-burdened (but otherwise healthy) joints, as well.

The Solution
In order for the joint chain to function at its highest level, peak muscle and bone support is required. In fact, fourteen muscles are crucial to a golf swing, each working in concert to transform a sequence of bones and joints into one perfect spring. The purpose of the spring is to “coil” potential energy. That energy is then converted into kinetic energy when the spring tension is released and the club swings around the body at a high speed.
Therefore, treating golf-related injury or improving the golf swing requires a combined approach that addresses both the joint mechanics AND muscle flexibility. This is where chiropractic adjustments and Active Release Technique (ART) comes in.
Dr. Jonathan Donath can identify the areas in need of attention, and provide the individualized treatment that best addresses your specific needs.

The term “Chiropractic adjustment” describes one of the countless ways of implementing carefully applied and controlled pressure to restore joints to normal position and functionality. It also alleviates strain on the surrounding overworked muscles that succumb to injury while compensating for joint dysfunction.
Active Release Technique (ART)
ART is a collaborative therapeutic process in which both doctor and patient assume an active role. All ART sessions encompass a unique sequence of assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. Dr. Donath begins each ART session with a practical evaluation of the injury site. Next, the teamwork comes into play: Precise tension is applied while the patient executes specific movements. Upon completing just one ART treatment, many of our clients report a decreased level of pain and increased strength and flexibility.

Unlike many of Dr. Donath's patients who come to him after years of chronic back pain, I saw him immediately after injuring my spine - and I am very glad I did!
In March 2011, while moving a chair, I felt a sharp pain in my lower back that shot all the way down my right leg. It left me gasping for air and barely able to move. An urgent care doctor referred me to Dr. Donath, who kindly agreed to stay late in the office to see me right away. An MRI confirmed his diagnosis of a severe herniation in my L4/L5 discs - had I gone to an orthopedic doctor, I almost certainly would have had surgery immediately. Dr. Donath recommended Spinal Decompression instead. Amazingly, I started to feel better within days and stopped taking any pain medication after less than two weeks. Those 22 minutes became my daily moment of Zen! Because of the severity of the injury, I continued the treatment for ten weeks. There were some ups and downs during that time, but by the end, I was virtually without pain. Back trouble may be a lifelong issue, but this treatment and the right kind of exercise make it a manageable one.

I truly appreciate Dr. Donath's honest, thoughtful and thorough approach to treating his patients. Thanks to him and his lovely colleague Dr. Rambarat, I will be going skiing with my family this winter!

Kristin J. Rye, NY

Dr. Donath accommodated me for an emergency visit. I suffer from TMJ (jaw dislocation) and I was in pain. Dr. Donath was calming, simultaneously personal and professional, experienced and knowledgeable. After examining me, he explained, in a way I could easily understand, the mechanics of the jaw and what had happened. With an experienced and gentle touch, Dr. Donath realigned the joint. When I awoke the next morning, my husband asked how my jaw felt. "Jaw?" I looked puzzled. Thanks to Dr. Donath, I felt as if the misalignment had never happened. I was as good as new

Beverly S. Mount Vernon, NY

I have suffered from pain in my lumbar area for many years. The pain had increased to an unbearable level. After an MRI, I discovered I had degenerative and herniated discs.
I proceeded to have very painful spinal injections, which only temporarily relieved the symptoms. I had been reading about the spinal decompression technique and decided to give it a try.
Since April of this year I have been receiving the spinal decompression treatments from Dr. Donath. For the first time in over 30 years I do not suffer everyday of my life with back pain. The treatments are painless and relaxing. I recommend Spinal Decompression with Dr. Donath to anyone who has suffered from chronic back pain.

Karen C. Rye, NY

I am a 36 year old male who has had on and off back problems for at least 15 years. Until recently the pain was manageable. Then towards the end of 2007 I had severe pain in my back.The pain was so intense that I had to be rushed to the hospital. I was told I had a herniated disk in my back that caused the pain. My back did get better but in three months the pain was back and even the treatments I did that used to get my back better did not work. I was told I needed an operation. I heard about spinal decompression and looked it up. I found Dr. Donath's number and scheduled and appointment. During my visit, Dr. Donath explained my condition in great detail and instructed me on how his treatment would get me healthy. I noticed improvement after each treatment and about 2/3 into treatment I was virtually pain free. Now that I am done with the treatments I am back to normal. I would strongly suggest to anyone that has neck or back pain to look into seeing Dr. Donath. Especially those people who are told to have an operation. Dr. Donath's decompression treatment along with exercise schedule made me better and I believe he can do the same for you as well.

Chris T. Tappan, NY

Testimonial Disclaimer
The testimonials, statements, and opinions presented on our website are applicable to the individuals depicted. Results will vary and may not be representative of the experience of others. The testimonials are voluntarily provided and are not paid, nor were they provided with free products, services, or any benefits in exchange for said statements. The testimonials are representative of patient experience but the exact results and experience will be unique and individual to each patient.